Category: Learning Tools

Interaction in an Online Course

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There are four types of interaction in an online course:

  1. between the student and other students (ex. discussion forums, collaborative projects, whiteboards like Jamboard/Padlet).
  2. between the student and instructor (ex. one on one meetings, live sessions, discussion forums, feedback opportunities, recorded lectures).
  3. between the student and the content (ex. watching videos, reading material, research).
  4. between the student and the technology (ex. wikis, blogs, websites, Padlet).

EDUC 4151: Starting a new course

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It has been a little while since I took the first course in the eLearning Instruction Certificate. However, I have been applying the skills and tools I learned. Here are some of the ways I have been re-purposing existing educational material and learning activities online.

1. Developed a blend of asynchronous and synchronous activities (discussion forums, live video, games).

2. Include more videos and recordings.

3. Reduce and/or transform static documents (pdfs, word) by using whiteboards, games, moodle lessons.

4. Make projects more flexible. Provide different opportunities for project delivery. For example, options to write an essay, create a video, or develop a website. 

5. Use blogs or portfolio site to store and review material. Students can show their research and reflection on an ongoing blog or portfolio site. 

Best Practices for Teaching Online

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From The Online Teaching Survival Guide by Judith V. Boettcher and Rita-Marie Conrad.

1: Be Present at Your Course

  • Do an initial check-in with each student and follow-up as needed.
  • host digital “office hours.”

2: Create a Supportive Online Course Community

  • create a discussion forum for students to share their questions, thoughts, and discoveries.
  • host a live lecture or discussion session (zoom, skype etc.)
  • learning partner

3: Develop a Set of Explicit Workload and Communication Expectations for Your Learners and Yourself.

  • create an orientation video or interactive document that goes over communication and course expectations.
  • cover this in initial check-in.

4: Use a Variety of Large Group, Small Group, and Individual Work Experiences

  • Individual; journal reflections – course content, readings etc.
  • Small Group; a paired project or assignment, for a marketing course this could be a social media campaign (or something creative).
  • Large group; discussions, live sessions with group questions. Big Blue Button allows you to do break-out sessions with 2-5 people per group.

5: Use Synchronous and Asynchronous Activities

  • Asynchronous; discussions forums, quizzes, journal reflections, course content, recorded videos.
  • Synchronous; group brainstorming (live break-out sessions, mural brainstorming tool, live mini presentations.

6: Ask for Informal Feedback Early in the Term

  • quick part-way survey or discussion post (pros, cons, challenges etc.)

7: Prepare Discussion Posts that Invite Responses, Questions, Discussions, and Reflections

  • encourage reflection and critical responses to readings
  • create room for debate
  • ask students to relate topic to their experience(s)

8: Think Digital for All Course Content

  • Transition static documents to an interactive format (glossary, audio and video resources.
  • Build games, encourage discussions, make videos.

9: Combine Core Concept Learning with Customized and Personal Learning

  • flexible and creative projects. This could be a website, online portfolio, social media campaign or site.
  • options for mixed media – video, website, text.
  • combine traditional and innovative learning delivery.

10: Plan a Good Closing and Wrap Activity for the Course

  • present or share creative project.

Additional Best Practices:

11: Assess as You Go by Gathering Evidences of Learning

12: Rigorously Connect Content to Core Concepts and Learning Outcomes

13: Develop and Use a Content Frame for the Course

14: Design Experiences to Help Learners Make Progress on Their Novice-to-Expert Journey

Engaging Learners Online

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One of the challenges I am facing while developing online courses is how to engage and educate learners effectively. Online learning can be a transition for both the educator and student – throughout my certificate in eLearning there are some specific learning strategies I’d like to build on:

1-effective ways to engage learners and educators.

2- course layout and structuring options that limit distractions/confusion.

3- innovative ways to deliver content.